Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1887-06-24

~ TIE pGTSODc lTOEl ~ 1Gu Tue CUllOL
!! was taken 1t seems that just about
the time that Messrs Boutwell, and
Shellabarger began to prepare their
motion the Administration walked up
to the fact that it had better look up
the law for itself The result of the
examination is the Presidents letter,
which required an incubation of about
four hours. for although it was prom
ised first to be given at l O'Clock and
then at 3, it was not ready until 6
o'clock.
THE PRESIDENTS EXPLANATION.
WASHINGTON, D. c., June 16-The
following statement with regard to
the Presidents action concerning the
proposed return of the battle-hags was
made at the White House tonight to
representative of the Associated
Press
when the question was proposed
to the President by the Adjutant- Gen
eral an important feature suggested
was the return to the loyal States Of
flags which had been captured by the
Confederates and retaken by our
army at the time of the collapse of
the Rebellion. They, with such Con-
federate flags as had been captured
from the enemy by cur troops, had,
it was represented, for o long time
lain uncared for and neglected, packed
away in boxes in the
cellar of the War Depart
ment and had been removed to the
attic as better place for their safe
keeping. The disposition of the flags,
which seemed to be answering no
good purpose where they were, was
the main point, and the consideration
was presented to the President that
some fags had been returned to loyal
States upon their request in individu-
al cases, and the rest, if desired, might
as well be returned together.
"The return Of the Confederate
flags which were with the others in
the department was suggested, bat
there was not the slightest thought
of interfering in any way with the
captured flags now held by any State
The fact, apparently received with
favor by the country, that lately in
one or more cases Northern troops
visited their late antagonists at the
South they had returned to them flags
which had been captured in battle
from those whose hospitalities they
were receiving; the further fact that
Northern t oops, who within short
time had been visiting Southern bat
tle-fields, had spoken in the warnest
terms of tie kind and hospitable
treatment they had received from
Confederate soldiers; and the fact,
too, that soldiers from the North and
South were just gathering at Wash
ington to meet in friendly competition
at National drill, seemed to indicate
that if Union flags were returned to
loyal States which had lost them in
battle, it would not be inconsistent
with the fraternal sentiment which
seemed to prevail to offer at the same
time to the Governors Of the States
formerly in rebellion q return of the
flags which we had taken from their
soldiers.
"The right of the department to
make those returns being questioned
by the President, such right was dis
tinctly asserted and precedents alleg-
ed, and thereupon his oral assent was
given o the proposed action. The
matter was dismissed from his mind
until comment thereupon within the
last day or two brought it again to
his attention, whereupon, personally
examining the law and considering
the subject more carefully, he salts
fed himself that 10 disposition of
these flags could be made without
Congressional action; whereupon he
directed a suspension Of operations
by the letter made public this even
ing"
GOV, FoRAKER's COMMENT ON THE
PRESIDENTS BACK-DowN.
COLUMBUS, o., June l6.-While
the thermometer reached the 80
point to-day, it in no way indicated
the red-hot temperature of the old
veterans after reading the events OF
yesterday. The only topic of conver-
sation was that Of the order OF the
War Department surrendering the
rebel flags. On oil sides the prompt
action and vigorous protests of Gov.
Foraker was commended, especially
the telegram he sent yesterday, in
which he briefly stated that no rebel
flags would be surrendered while he
was Governor, referring to those now
in the relic room in the capital build.
ing. During the day messenger boys
from the telegraph Offices have been
constantly employed in delivering dis
patches. which have beeu pouring in
from every quarter. The indignation
felt may be judged by the receipt OF
kilograms from Post. Commanders Of
fering the services Of their entire or
ganizatons if need be to protect the
war trophies now in possession OF the
State.
DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS LOADED.
The action Of the Governor in di-
rscting Gen. Boynton to retain coun-
sci, and the engagement OF ex-Gov.
Boutwell, and ex- Congressman Shalle-
barger to enter suit in the Supreme
Court, gave evidence that 80 far as
rebel flags captured by Buckeye sol
diers was concerned, the State meant
business Tonight the Governor has
received information that the Presi-
dent has taken water and concluded
that he cannot surrender the flags to
those from whom they were captured
in deadly conflict without the author
ity Of Congress. After receiving the
information that Grover revoked the
order, Gov. Foraker laughingly re-
MARKED
"They didn't appear to know the
thing was loaded. Seriously, | am
glad that the President has revoked
the order, az there is no telling what
serious trouble would have followed
the surrender Of the llaga captured in
battle at great cost Of life and treas
ure. There is no longer reason to
question what would have been done
and what will take place when the
Democratic party gains full control